Obituary of Richard Grant Harrington

In memory of Richard (Dick) Grant Harrington; September 26, 1930 - July 13, 2009: preceded by his parents Stewart Bates and Lodema Agatha Harrington and wife Sherrie Harrington. Rose on a farm in Bothell WA. Homesteaded in Lynnwood WA where he pursued his life-long quest to build the home and garden of his dreams. He worked for the Pacific Northern Railroad who recognized his long-term outstanding performance with achievement awards, a diamond pendant, and an engraved gold watch. A vibrant, animated, charismatic person whose intrinsic, insatiable desire to increase, expand upon, improve his understanding of knowledge, truth, and wisdom drove him to excel in a wide range of subjects including: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Electronics 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Science 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt hilosophy 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Mechanical Engineering 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Theology 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Computer Science and Technology 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Architecture 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Agriculture 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Metallurgy 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Woodworking Always an avid gardener and proactive visionary, he was a forerunner in the development of eco-friendly organic gardening systems and the propagation of hardy, pest resistant strains of vegetables and fruits hardy to the Pacific Northwest region. Through his innovative grafting techniques he successfully crossed the peach and plum developing a new strain of fruit, the pleach and several new strains of disease resilient apples. He worked closely with University of Washington to determine which strains of grapes would be best suited to be grown commercially with least impact to changing Pacific Northwest eco-systems His home and garage was designed and built with the aid of his close friend Walt Schaffer, a Swiss Carpenter, based on architecture and lost art techniques used in the construction of Old World Swiss chalets, German castles, and Renaissance cathedrals: chiseled open-beam cathedral ceilings; elaborate woodworks, hand-crafted parquet tile flooring, and wrought iron window casings with deep dish copper basins, rounded doors with wrought iron triple-block hinges, and the 13 th century design bell-pull system for the doorbells. A two-story garage designed and equipped to accommodate the most extensive projects. A nailless, two ton entrance to the upper floor can be opened with the mere touch of a finger. Richard renowned as a metallurgist and master craftsman, proficient in the knowledge and use of lost arts led to contracting with prominent builders, government contractors, and notable dignitaries throughout the world including the design, building, installation and implementation of the following: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Old Ford radios for a leading car industry 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt One of the first automated stereo systems for the Seattle mayor 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Solid gold trays for a Saudi Arabian kings private jet; capable of enduring varying degrees of temperature without alteration of the gold properties or coloring; a lost art 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Stainless steel rolling carts/tables/eating trays for Boeing 737 and 747 airlines He loved to walk on the beach, take long rides in the car, and find restaurants that catered to home-style cooking as well as building and rebuilding his extensive website. In his later years he devoted his skills, talents, knowledge, and charismatic nature to the encouragement of those less fortunate than himself. Sandy, his beloved adopted daughter remembers and is thankful to Papa for the 2 years they spent together working towards her educational goals. Upon graduation Sandy achieved personal and financial independence and an outstanding achievement award from the Washington State Board of Education where she is currently employed. He was instrumental in assisting immigrants to integrate into our society and receive benefits/funding. He helped and cared for many in very special ways. This self-defined, self-reliant, intelligent prideful man became one devoted to the Lord and His service. Known as The Prophet online, he worked with many pastors/clergymen addressing current, complex issues the church faces today. He created, financed and distributed an extensive Bible Study exchange program; reaching 1,000s world-wide. His final thoughts and beliefs can be summarized in the following excerpts taken from notes found in his personal Bible as provided in his memory by his son Chris: align=center To A Gardener align=center Remember the garden align=center Where the corn grew align=center And the song in the wind align=center That some of us knew align=center Remember the rain align=center And the wind that the corn might keep align=center Its strength to grow tall align=center And its roots to grow deep align=center Reach out for the strength align=center To be found in this trial align=center The trouble will pass align=center Its only a while align=center align=center Thank you align=center Being empty enough of self align=center Yet human enough to remember align=center That which God can draw upon align=center May God anoint His word align=center And give us both wisdom align=center When and to whom to pass it to align=center This remarkable unforgettable man will be greatly missed by his surviving friends and family including: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Sheila Frances (Harrington) Smith- his first love and the star of his life 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Cathleen, Jean, and Chris (Jody) Harrington- his three children 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt W. Chet (Linda) Ross, Jenevieve (Jeff) Reynolds, Sandra (Mark) Gavac- his three step-children 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Sandy (David) Eng- his beloved adopted daughter 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt David Schmitt- his step-son 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Ray (Mary) Harrington- his brother 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Gloria (Russ) Tuttle- his sister 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt David (Janice) Quinell- his life-long closest friend and confidant 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in font: 7pt Walt (Gretchen) Schaffer- his close friend